New Delhi: A Unicef report states that toxic air severely affects children’s brain development and may cause a permanent damage to their brains.

The report mentions that toxic air can also lead to anxiety disorder and may affect IQ level and memory pattern in kids.

Severe air pollution can also lead to other neurological disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The findings come at a time when India, particularly in the north, is facing a serious crisis due to rising levels of pollution.

Last month, Delhi schools had to be shut temporarily to reduce children’s exposure to pollutants that had enveloped the capital.

The air pollution level has been consistently 10 points above the safe zone.

The Unicef report also said that South Asia had the largest proportion of babies living in areas where air pollution is at least six times higher than international limits (10 micrograms per cubic metre).